BUDAPEST, Hungary – The Hungary Foundation recently hosted its Alumni Winter Gathering at the renowned Városliget Park in Budapest. This annual event, sponsored by the HF for the third consecutive year, is celebrated for its impressive venue, exceptional hospitality, and the warm camaraderie and professional networking opportunities it provides. This year, the gathering marked a significant milestone.
Approximately twenty-five guests, representing a diverse array of the Hungary Foundation’s scholarships, fellowships, and internships—including the Andrássy and Széll Kálmán Fellowships, Liberty Bridge Program, and the Budapest Fellowship Program—enjoyed a drinks reception followed by a full buffet dinner. The setting could not have been more picturesque or quintessentially Hungarian, as the sun set on leisurely skaters at the seasonal ice skating rink against the historic and grand Vajdahunyad Castle.
The event’s program highlighted an exciting recent development for the Hungary Foundation: the establishment of an official alumni network, anchored by the creation of a board of directors, or the Hungary Foundation Alumni Board (HFAB). HFAB Director Kelli Buzzard gave brief remarks, in which she conveyed the new board’s mission of promoting strong commitment between alumni and the Hungary Foundation (HF) fostering camaraderie among HF alumni across all programs and creating regular career networking opportunities among alumni on both sides of the Atlantic.
Board members–Stephen Sholl, Kristóf Veres, Viktor Marsai, Illona Schumicky, and Barni Peterfi – shared their aspirations for the one-year volunteer term that commenced last November. (Michael O’Shea, unfortunately, could not attend).
The evening concluded with a rousing interactive activity (a noted hit of the whole event!), followed by closing remarks reiterating the HFAB’s commitment to serve their fellow alumni starting with a forthcoming network-wide survey.
In closing, the HFAB extends its heartfelt gratitude to the Hungary Foundation for its unwavering, insightful, and generous guidance of all alumni. This includes HF scholars, thought leaders, writers, and researchers who are actively forging connections between Hungary and the United States, and having a grand time in the process.